Thoroughbred Floats Equine Trader Stable Star: Challenge 4

Welcome to our latest video competition

We're showcasing New Zealand's grassroots equestrian talent! Our contestants face challenges to show off their enthusiasm for riding, how much they love their horse, how they participate in the equestrian scene and more. The winner will enjoy a prize package from Thoroughbred Floats valued at over $1,000 and there’s a great range of prizes on offer for all contestants and for people who follow the competition on Facebook and on www.equinetrader.co.nz

And the winners of Challenge Four are....!

In this Challenge, our 6 contestants were asked to show us their greatest riding influences. Each of our contestants had a very interesting story to tell. Only 4 contestants can progress to the next Challenge.

Contestants

Rachel introduces us to the people who have influenced her riding - from horse lover Ton who encouraged her to go to Pony Club and allowed her to ride his horses, to Kate who played such a large part in Rachel's decision to lease her first horse. And not forgetting, of course, Rachel's family who support her in every way.

Willow has been crazy about horses since she was a tiny tot. Her Mum Emily tells us about Willow's incredible passion for riding and her amazing committment to her pony Kiri. We also hear from Morgan, WIllow's Pony Club instructor, who has some tales to tell.

Michael has been riding since before he could walk, so its no surprise that he counts his family as his main riding influence. He's been involved in many disciplines, from pony club to adventure riding to eventing. He's received lots of guidance and advice from many people along the way

Janine tells us about the major influences in her 30 years of owning and riding horses. She has taken inspiration from a variety of sources, but three people in particular have influenced her riding and driving career.

We say goodbye to Madison and Elise

The judging is getting harder as we progress, as all of the contestants have really risen to the challenge to produce some wonderful videos.

Sadly we have to say goodbye to two of our contestants from this Challenge. Both Madison and Elise have been wonderful contestants, their talent and hard work shines through in all of their entries to date.

Despite Elise's family not being "horsey" they have supported her passion from riding right from the start. In her latest entry, Elise shows us all of her greatest riding influences - her Mum and Dad, her riding instructor Sandie and the staff at the Ambury Park Centre for Riding Therapy. And importantly, Elise has a special mention for many of the horses she has ridden.